Model train cleaning device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a novel model train cleaning device and uses thereof.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application claims priority of co-pending application ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/627,095 filed on Nov. 12, 2004, which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a model train cleaning device, and usesthereof.

BACKGROUND

Model trains and layout related accessories often go uncleaned becauseof the delicate nature of their scale components. The average modeltrain enthusiast can clean their model train equipment with a softbristled brush, or the occasional vacuum type brush, but they run therisk of damaging the equipment. For example detail parts can becomeloosened and damaged. Additionally, the delicate finishes and paints canbe scratched because of direct contact with bristles or cloths. Thecleaning process is not quick, because the many details of model trainssuffer from dust and debris ingress. Model train enthusiasts have dozensof railroad cars and engines; consequently most go uncleaned because ofthe time commitment needed for cleaning and tendency for damage. U.S.Pat. No. 6,758,145 describes a track cleaner for model railroads, butoffers no solution for cleaning rail cars or locomotives.

Therefore, there exists a need to provide a device which effectively andrapidly cleans the delicate model train scale components without thecontact of brush bristles to reduce the risk of damaging their equipmentand decrease the time needed to clean the scale components. It isdesirable to provide a cleaning device that can be used in conjunctionwith the model train enthusiast's common scale railroad setting,enabling the user to perform cleanings on site, without the need toremove cars and engines from the tracks. Additionally it is desirable tocreate an enclosure for the cleaning device which contains the dust anddebris removed from the objects being cleaned and which camouflages thecleaning device so that it appears to be part of the model trainenthusiast's railroad setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one general aspect, the invention provides a model train cleaningdevice comprising an encapsulation structure; a non contact sensingdevice; and at least one fluid transportation tube. In another generalaspect, the model train cleaning device further comprises an automaticcleaning media valve.

In some embodiments the model train cleaning device further comprises atiming circuit. In other embodiments the model train cleaning devicefurther comprises a solenoid.

In some embodiments the model train cleaning device further comprises aperforated plate which can be mounted into an opening that is cut intothe model train layout or similar table beneath the model train cleaningdevice. The plate has an attachment on it that will permit theconnection of a household vacuum appliance to remove the dust and debristhat will build up inside the structure.

Other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following disclosure, including the detailed description of theinvention and its preferred embodiments and the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the model train cleaning device1); the “LOCO-MAT” and the model railroad track 7) are shown.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing one side entrance of themodel train cleaning device; the “LOCO-MAT” 1) and the model railroad 7)track are shown.

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view showing the underside of themodel train cleaning device; the “LOCO-MAT” showing 1) EncapsulatingStructure, 2) Fluid Transportation Tubing, 3 a) Cleaning Media Inlet, 3b) Automatic Cleaning Media Valve, 4) Timing Circuit, 5) Non ContactSensing Device, and 6) Jet Orifice

FIG. 4 illustrates a further perspective view showing 1) EncapsulatingStructure, 2) Fluid Transportation Tubing, 3) Automatic Cleaning MediaInlet, 4) Timing Circuit, and 5) Non Contact Sensing Device

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an engine traveling through astructure which camouflages or otherwise disguises the “LOCO-MAT” sothat it appears to be part of the model train enthusiast's railroadsetting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

All publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention pertains.

References

1. U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,145

As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “containing”, “having” and“including” are used in their open, non-limiting sense.

The model train cleaning device as defined herein, also called the“LOCO-MAT” is an automated device packaged within a structure thatefficiently cleans model railroad engines and cars. Triggered by anon-contact, sensing device, a network of compressed air jets isactivated. As the train advances, it is cleansed by the curtain of airthat is produced.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 through 5 in detail, the model train cleaningdevice “LOCO-MAT” can comprise the following items:

-   -   1) The “Encapsulating Structure” as used herein is designed to        prevent dust that is blown from the model railroad equipment        from contaminating the surrounding layout the device is encased        in a structure that serves to contain debris. The structure can        be designed to simulate a building that can be found in many        common railroad settings. The encapsulating structure 1 also        serves to package the other components mentioned below by        serving as a location to mount the items.    -   2) The “Fluid Transportation Tube” as used herein is designed to        transport cleaning media (such as air, or other fluids) from the        automatic cleaning media valve 3 b (such as a solenoid as        discussed infra) to the jet orifices 6 through this tubing 2. In        some embodiments there can be one or more than one section of        tubing 2. In some embodiments cleaning media such as air can be        provided by any commonly available air compressor such as one        provided by http://www.air.ingersoll-rand.com. In other        embodiments there are multiple sections of tubing. The tubing 2        can be bent in such a manner that it closely follows the general        cross sectional elevation of most model railroad equipment. The        tubing 2 can be designed to rest as close to the model train        without coming in contact with the train cars. By maintaining        tight tolerance between the tubing and model railroad equipment,        energy loss from the cleaning media traveling over a distance,        and due to turbulence is minimized. By placing the tubing as        close as possible to the model train maximum cleaning action can        occur.    -   3a) The “Cleaning Media Inlet” as used herein is configured to        allow the introduction of cleaning media into the system. The        model train is remotely sensed by a sensing device 5. The        sensing device 5 starts an event that results in the opening of        a normally closed automatic cleaning media valve 3 b, (an        electronically controlled valve, a solenoid). The automatic        cleaning media valve 3 b allows the cleaning media to travel        through the cleaning media inlet 3 a, while the signal is        received from the non contact sensing device 5 and intermediate        electrical timing circuit 4 (discussed in further detail infra).        Electrical power can be supplied by any desirable source such as        a power supply (transformer) that plugs into a home alternating        current power source such as an electrical outlet. The power        supply which can be purchased separately, or can be provided        with the present invention, transforms 120 volts, alternating        current (AC) into 12 volts, direct current (DC), but other        voltages and currents are envisioned and within the scope of the        invention.    -   3b) The “Automatic Cleaning Media Valve” as used herein is        designed to control and or regulate the introduction of cleaning        media into the model train cleaning device through the Cleaning        Media Inlet 3 a. The automatic cleaning media valve 3 b can be        located within the model train cleaning structure 1, and in some        embodiments the automatic cleaning media valve 3 b can be        located outside the model train cleaning structure 1. The        automatic cleaning media valve 3 b can be directly        interconnected with the Cleaning Media Inlet 3 a or other items        such as tubing 2 can be used to join 3 a to 3 b.    -   4) The “Timing Circuit” as used herein is required to prevent        rapid cycling of item 3 b, described supra. The sensing device 5        senses at a rate that would cause rapid on/off cycling of item 3        b, described supra. To overcome various railroad equipment        configurations the sensing device is located in a common        location 5. However, this location will cause rapid cycling        which will not result in maximum cleaning action. To eliminate        rapid cycling an electrical timer circuit is incorporated to        effectively lock on item 3 b for a predetermined amount of time.        Each time the model railroad equipment is sensed the timer is        reset.    -   5) The “Non Contact Sensing Device” as used herein is a sensor 5        used to detect the presence of model railroad equipment to begin        the cleaning cycle. The sensor is of the non contact type which        requires no physical contact with the object being cleaned to        prevent any interference or damage.    -   6) The “jet orifice” or as used herein is an opening that        permits the cleaning media escape from the Fluid Transportation        Tube 2. In some embodiments there can be one or more than one        jet orifice 6. In some embodiments the jet orifices are simply        drilled holes. In other embodiments the jet orifices 6 are        fitted with nozzles to focus or concentrate the airflow. In        other embodiments the jet orifices 6 are fitted with other        suitable attachments to direct the flow of the cleaning media        over the model train.    -   7) The term “model railroad track” as used herein includes any        scale of model railroad track employed in the hobby, including        but not limited to tracks employed by Large Scale, HO, O, S, Z,        and N scale model trains as well as and track codes 100        (0.100″), code 83 (0.083″), code 80 (0.080″), code 70 (0.070″)        and code 55 (0.050″). The model railroad track can be made of        any metal or combination thereof including but not limited to        brass, nickel-silver, or steel.

No longer do model railroad operators need to clean their equipment withbrush, vacuum, or any other type of labor intensive, possiblydestructive apparatus. The LOCO-MAT is non contact cleaning, time savingdevice that is used to enhance the model railroad experience.

EXAMPLE 1

The model train cleaning device or “LOCO-MAT” was installed or set onthe model train layout such that model railroad track passed through thedevice on a model train user's table see for example FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.The AC power supply and compressed air supply were connected to the“LOCO-MAT”. To begin the cleaning process the model train was advancedthrough the device. Motive force to advance the model train was providedby the powered model train equipment (in this example a diesel enginewas used), but this can be provided by any other means such as anelectric engine or the model railroader actively pushing the trainsthrough the cleaning device. When the model railroad equipment passedthrough the device and broke the plane of the non-contact sensing device5, the compressed fluid cleaning media (air) was released. Thecompressed fluid cleaning media (air) passed through the network oftubing 2 and eventually was forced to the atmosphere through theorifices (jets) on the tubing 2. The compressed fluid cleaning mediaremoved dust and debris that were attached to the model railroadequipment. The dislodged dust and debris were contained within thestructure 1. The train advanced through the cleaning device and thecurtain of air swept along its length continuing the debris removalprocess. During this time the process of the compressed fluid cleaningmedia cleaning the model train was constant. The train eventually exitedthe structure. When the non-contact sensor 5 no longer detected thepresence of the model train the compressed fluid was automaticallyturned off.

A perforated plate was mounted into an opening cut into the model trainlayout beneath the model train cleaning device. The plate had anattachment on to permit connection of a household vacuum appliance toremove the dust and debris that built up inside the structure.

1. A model train cleaning device comprising: (a) an encapsulationstructure; (b) a non contact sensing device interconnected with saidencapsulation structure; and (c) at least one fluid transportation tubeinterconnected with said encapsulation structure.
 2. The model traincleaning device of claim 1 further comprising; a cleaning media inletinterconnected with said at least one fluid transportation tube.
 3. Themodel train cleaning device of claim 2 wherein said at least one fluidtransportation tube further comprises a jet orifice.
 4. The model traincleaning device of claim 3 further comprising; a timing circuitinterconnected with said encapsulation structure.
 5. The model traincleaning device of claim 4 further comprising; an automatic cleaningmedia valve interconnected with at least one fluid transportation tube.6. The model train cleaning device of claim 5 further comprising; aperforated plate interconnected with said encapsulation structure.